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      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer reveals moment he decided to leave Man City for Chelsea but admits he never got to say a proper goodbye

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      COLE PALMER has revealed when he decided to leave Manchester City.Palmer, 22, has been a revelation since joining Chelsea for £40million on deadline day of the 2023/24 summer transfer window.Cole Palmer has revealed when he knew he had to leave Man CityCredit: GettyPalmer had been at the club since the age of seven and originally only wanted to go on loanCredit: Players tribuneAnd Palmer admits the rapid nature of his deadline-day move to Chelsea means he never got to say a proper goodbye.Credit: Manchester CityDespite the club’s overall struggles in a huge transitional period, Palmer stood up to be counted and has scored a remarkable 32 goals in 57 games in all competitions.However, Palmer’s original plan was not to leave City, who had nurtured him since the age of seven.But speaking to GQ, Palmer admitted he knew he had to take the decision in order to further his career.He said: “I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea. I got persuaded.” He then nodded to his manager when asked who persuaded him to move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to. Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you had players there who were playing in the league every week. “And you’re looking around thinking, I can play in the league. When you’re not playing, it’s annoying.”Palmer admits he wanted to go on loan, but had his hand forced when he found out he was not going to play behind established stars even after Riyad Mahrez sealed a move to Saudi Arabia.However, the fast nature of the deal meant Palmer was not able to say a proper goodbye, with a text message being his ultimate farewell to the club he had been with for 14 years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “No – do you know what, I just wanted to go on loan…”I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee.’Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaign”Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.”So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.”I messaged the group chat, said ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”On his meteoric rise to stardom, Palmer admitted he even “surprised” himself, although he recalls as a youngster how his father Jermaine told him to keep faith despite the midfielder’s own doubts during his development.He said: “I’d see people saying, like, ‘He’s just in good form.’ Then I think it was after the first England camp where I went a bit quiet, and people were saying, ‘This was always going to happen.’ “But then I just picked up and went even better. Played Middlesbrough at home, played Everton, Manchester United at home, and I just kept scoring, scoring, scoring.”I knew I could do it. But for it to happen so fast… I surprised myself, yeah…”Maybe because I wasn’t the quickest when I was younger, I had to use body movement instead of speed. “I remember I would say, ‘I want to be fast, I want to be stronger, bigger,’ because I was so small – like, just tiny. “I would try and do something and I’d just get the ball took off me. I said, ‘Why am I like this?’ And my dad said: ‘Wait. You will take over everybody’.”Palmer grew up in Wythenshawe, south of Manchester as a Red Devils fan.Jermaine’s parents hail from Saint Kitts and Nevis, which is why Palmer wears the flag on his boots. Palmer has said one of his first memories was of him and his father playing football together, and after his chip in the 6-2 thrashing over Wolves, he recalled how his father messaged him to reminisce.He said: “He messaged me the other day, after I scored that chip versus Wolves, saying, ‘You remember practising chips in the park?’ But I actually do, to be fair.”Palmer scored for England in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain, but he admitted the rush of the situation means he “doesn’t really remember it”.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow a mainstay for the Three Lions, Palmer was called up for Lee Carsley’s final squad before Thomas Tuchel takes over fully next year.However, Palmer was one of eight stars to withdraw from the squad after suffering a knock in weeks prior to the camp that left him doubtful over his inclusion in the Arsenal clash.Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave KiddTHE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.Read Dave Kidd’s full column hereOr click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      in Boxing

      Topless Mike Tyson says ‘what the f*** was I thinking’ when he agreed to Jake Paul Netflix fight

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      MIKE TYSON admits he questioned why he signed up to fight Jake Paul.The former heavyweight champion is set to make his return to the ring for the first time since 2020, when he fought Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition.Mike Tyson admits he had doubts after first accepting the fightCredit: GettyBut he feels his training has prepared him to knock out Jake PaulCredit: SportsfilePaul is confident he will put on a show in DallasCredit: SportsfilePrior to that he had not fought for 15 years and he has experienced a host of medical issues in recent years, including sciatica that made him wheelchair bound.An ulcer flare up earlier this year meant Tyson was unable to fulfil the original date of the bout in July, so it was postponed for November 15.Tyson, 58, is 31 years older than Paul and he admits he initially questioned himself for accepting the fight.He said: “I’m tougher than I believed I was.READ MORE IN BOXING”Because when I agreed to this fight and started training, I thought: ‘What the f*** am I thinking of?’ “But now I’ve finished the process, the fight is the party. Never in a million years did I think I would be fighting him.”Paul, 27, is just as confident as Iron Mike and is showing no sign of intimidation ahead of the showdown in Dallas, Texas.He said: “I’m just blessed to be here, so grateful to all the fans who showed up,” he said after his own workout. “Dallas is going to be an amazing night on Friday.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUT”I’m just having fun doing my thing. I feel really good, sharp and explosive, and it’s going to be a short night for Mike. “It’s not about how long you’ve been doing something, it’s about how good you do it. On Friday, people are going to see me out-box the person who’s been doing it their whole life.Mike Tyson nearly KNOCKS OUT coach at open workout as Jake Paul begins mind games”We are an unstoppable force and on Friday, my dreams come true and my career starts. This is the start of an amazing journey, it doesn’t matter what I’ve done before, my career starts now.”Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix… More

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      in Soccer

      Rio Ferdinand tells Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for ‘disrespectful’ act moments after Arsenal clash

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      RIO FERDINAND has told Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for his “disrespectful” act against Arsenal.The winger started his side’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having cemented his status as a first-teamer under new boss Enzo Maresca.Rio Ferdinand has urged Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wagesCredit: GettyMadueke stormed down the tunnel after being subbed off against ArsenalCredit: GettyBut Madueke struggled to make an impact down Chelsea’s right-hand side.Arsenal left-back Jurrien Timber made sure the England international was unable to dictate play when cutting inside.And Maresca decided enough was enough when he hauled Madueke off after the hour mark for Mykhailo Mudryk.However, Chelsea’s talented forward was not happy with the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd instead of taking his place on the bench, Madueke stormed off down the tunnel in anger.Blues boss Maresca attempted to play down the incident by claiming it was a natural reaction.But former Manchester United star Ferdinand reckons Madueke’s actions were a sign of disrespect.And he feels the winger should be docked a fortnight’s wages to teach him a lesson.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpeaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England defender said: “You think Danny Welbeck or Tom Cleverley or Nani are going to storm off the pitch and throw their dummy out?“It’s a young team. Who are the experienced players who are going to go in there and say, ‘Woah, we don’t accept that here’.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problem“And I understand his thinking but at the same time, I don’t understand why you are doing that.“That’s where the manager comes in, I think the manager protecting him is mad.“And that’s why I couldn’t be in there because I couldn’t come out and play the game where you say, ‘Yeah he was in the wrong but…’“Fined, that’s a two-week fine.”Maresca certainly didn’t seem to have a problem with Madueke’s reaction, explaining after the Arsenal match: “The problem is when you change a player, they are never happy.“Probably the only way to be happy is after the Wolves game where he scored a hat-trick and we changed him, so he was happy. It’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a good thing because they want to be there until the end. But in that moment, we thought in different ways, probably Pedro with Timber could be a little bit more aggressive.“And also with Misha, so it was a tactical decision, no more than that.”Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though. More

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      in Boxing

      How Mike Tyson blew $400m with reckless spending on mansions, fast cars, women, drugs, pet tigers and $2.2m BATH TUB

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      MIKE TYSON’S status after becoming the youngest heavyweight champion of the world and then one of the greatest boxers ever earned him a fortune.So much so that Iron Mike was said to be worth a staggering $400million at his peak. Mike Tyson was once worth around $400millionHis value is now a fraction of that figure after splashing the cash on his lavish lifestyleCredit: GettyIn today’s money with inflation taken into consideration, that soars up to a whopping $700m – or roughly £550m.But as he prepares to take on Jake Paul in their big-money boxing fight on Friday night in Texas, Tyson, 58, is now worth a fraction of that.In fact, the $20m purse he is set to receive from this weekend’s fight with the Problem Child is approximately double his current net worth.The former boxer – who spent three years in prison from 1992 for rape – filed for bankruptcy in 2003 amid spiralling debts of up to $23m, including more than $13m owed to the taxman.READ MORE ON MIKE TYSONBut where did all of Tyson’s money go?HOUSESBy far his biggest outlay was on property, with the boxing icon owning multi-million-dollar mansions across America.The flagship pad was the 52-room, 21-bed, 50,000-square-foot home he had in Connecticut which included 25 bathrooms, a nightclub, an indoor pool, a basketball court and even a recording studio.Tyson had to sell it when he was declared bankrupt and rapper 50 Cent paid $4.4m for it. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother luxury gaff of Tyson’s was his Ohio mansion which he had to sell in 1999 and has now been converted into a church.Tyson also had a seven-bedroom home with ex-wife Monica Turner in Maryland which overlooked the prestigious Congressional Country Club, hosts of the US Open golf on three occasions. Turner got the house in the divorce paperwork.Inside Mike Tyson’s Las Vegas mansionThere was also the Nevada property which was used in The Hangover film which included a 25-foot waterfall in the reception but was sold in 2016. Tyson now has a pretty plush – by any normal person’s standards – six-bedroom, six-bathroom villa in Las Vegas, bought for £2.5m soon after selling the Hangover home.As well as owning massive homes, it also cost Tyson a lot to upkeep them.The maintenance costs were as high as $300,000 per year in the mid-90s just to keep the gardens and lawns in tip-top condition.Iron Mike sold his 52-room Connecticut mansion to 50 CentCredit: Douglas Elliman Real EstateMonica Turner got the keys to their Maryland pad following their divorceCredit: TTR/Sotheby’s International RealtyThis luxury pad was used in The Hangover filmCredit: LUXURY HOMES of Las VegasTyson now lives in this Las Vegas villaCredit: Luxury Homes of Las VegasCARSTyson’s other huge spending went on his motors with some suggestions he has owned more than 100 vehicles over the course of his lifetime.An estimated $4.5m in total has gone on cars including a £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Mercedes-Benz G Class worth £136,000 and a Rolls-Royce limousine (£165,000).He also owned a Lamborghini Super Diablo Twin Turbo (£180k), a Ferrari F50, a Cadillac Seville, a Rolls-Royce Corniche and one of just 73 Bentley Continental SCs made in the world. Tyson has a love affair with carsCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe splashed out big money on various Rolls-Royces and BentleysPETSTyson’s bizarre pets also cost him plenty of money.He famously bought three Bengal tigers for around $70,000 each.But he then ended up spending an extra $200,000 a year to feed the big cats – and $125,000 on a specialised trainer to take care of them.Tyson also owned an estimated 3,000 racing pigeons and kept them in a custom-built cage.He is said to have spent up to $3,000 on each bird. Tyson famously had three pet tigersCredit: RexHe later admitted his regret at keeping the big cats in captivityCredit: GettyTyson was said to have had as many as 3,000 racing pigeonsCredit: Getty Images – GettyJEWELLERY AND CLOTHINGTyson certainly liked to make sure people knew he was spending his fortune. But on one trip to collect a customised $850 white leather jacket from Dapper Dan’s in New York, he ended up with a broken hand in a street brawl with rival Mitch Green.It was alleged Tyson would spent $100,000 per month on clothing and jewellery and would often walk around with outfits and accessories worth millions.One particularly lavish shopping spree saw him drop $688,000 in London in 2000 on a diamond watch, a bracelet and two pocket watches. PHONE BILLSA slightly less exciting part of Tyson’s annual expenditure went on phone and pager bills.That totalled around about $230,000 per year with phone plans for himself, friends, family and staff. JAKE PAUL VS MIKE TYSON: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE BOUTPARTYINGBack to the fun stuff and Tyson certainly threw some lavish parties.None more so than for his 30th birthday which he hosted at the Connecticut mansion – which cost an eye-watering $410k. Tyson hired 13 chefs who all worked in their own kitchens at the pad while Jay-Z, Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey were among the star-studded guest list.Tyson claims he reserved 19 rooms in his house – each for a different girl he wanted to sleep with that night – as the celebs were put up in a nearby hotel and his then-girlfriend was less than pleased. He said: “There was a guy hand-rolling cigars.”You entered the house on an actual red carpet – once you got past the 40 big Fruit of Islam bodyguards stationed outside.”I was so egomaniacal that I reserved the 19 bedrooms in my house for girls who I wanted to sleep with.Tyson hosted a lavish party for his 30th birthday spending $410,000Credit: GettyDonald Trump was among the long list of celebrity guestsCredit: GettyGENEROUS GIFTSWith so much surplus money to play with, Tyson was willing to splash the cash on some extravagant presents.None could compare to the 24-carat gold bathtub he bought for his then-wife Robin Givens in 1988.The Christmas present cost $2.2m – but he sold it the following year when they separated making a $1m loss.Their marriage lasted just a year and cost Tyson a reported £8m in the divorce settlement. Elsewhere, it is understood Tyson gave himself some “walking around money” for spontaneous purchases and money to treat friends and family.He budgeted just the $240,000 per month for that. He almost lost another $10,000 during a private romantic date with Givens at a zoo. After already bribing a worker to let them in after closing time, he offered the crazy figure to the zookeeper to open the gorilla cage so he could fight the alpha male – but the employee declined. The boxer bought his first wife Robin Givens a $2.2m gold bathtubCredit: AP:Associated PressTyson once tried to bribe a zookeeper $10,000 to let him fight a gorillaCredit: AFPREHABTyson’s struggles with drugs including cocaine have been well documented – starting when he took acid aged just 11.And he revealed the remainder of his fortune went on trying to end his addiction issues. READ MORE SUN STORIESTyson, who still smokes cannabis but claims he has stopped while training for the Paul fight, said: “My last million dollars were spent on my rehabilitation because, of the approximately $500m that I made as a boxer, I had nothing left.”It all went crazy and lasted between 15 and 16 years – it seemed like a lot of money but eventually it was gone.”Counting down to Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson…READ MORE on all the build-up to the massive clash in Texas on Netflix… More

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      in Soccer

      Al-Ettifaq sack Steven Gerrard’s assistant and ex-EFL manager but Liverpool legend clings to job after showdown talks

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      AL-ETTIFAQ have announced two major departures – but under-fire manager Stephen Gerrard is set to keep his job.Sporting director Mark Allen and assistant manager Dean Holden have been sacked by club officials.Steven Gerrard will keep his job at Al-Ettifaq – for nowCredit: GettyEx-Charlton boss Dean Holden, who was Gerrard’s assistant, has been sackedCredit: AlamyA statement from Al-Ettifaq read: “The board of Ettifaq, led by Mr. Samer Almisehal, has approved the recommendations of the football committee, which are as follows: Mark Allen to leave his position as executive sporting director by mutual agreement.”Dean Holden to leave his position as assistant manager by mutual agreement.”The chairman, Mr Sameer Almisehal, reaffirmed that the board is fully committed to supporting the technical staff and players in their efforts to improve the club’s position in the league and to secure a top spot in the Gulf Champions League.”He also expressed his apologies to Ettifaq fans for the disappointing exit from the King Cup.Read More in Football”The board and everyone at the club deeply appreciate the unwavering support of Ettifaq fans despite recent unsatisfactory results. We remain optimistic that better results are on the horizon.”Al-Ettifaq currently sit 12th in the Saudi Pro League with just 11 points from 10 games.First team manager Gerrard, who was appointed in July 2023, has come under fire in recent weeks as a result.He was booed by his own fans after losing 2-0 to local rivals Al Qadsiah earlier this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd the England icon didn’t do himself any favours by admitting he schedules Al-Ettifaq training around Liverpool games.Despite his run of poor form, club chiefs have decided against sacking him.Steven Gerrard is looking for self improvement Al Ettifaq Instead, Allen and Holden were asked to leave.Before joining Al-Ettifaq in 2023, Allen was sporting director at Swansea City.He was promoted in 2021 after spending eight months as the club’s academy manager.The 61-year-old has also worked at Rangers and Manchester City.Meanwhile, Holden was manager of Charlton before making the switch to Al-Ettifaq earlier this year.The 45-year-old has also spent time with Oldham, Bristol and Stoke. More

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      in Soccer

      Claudio Ranieri set for emotional return to old club at 73 in retirement U-turn with Ten Hag facing snub for new job

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      ERIK TEN HAG is set to be snubbed from the Roma job as the club considers welcoming back Claudio Ranieri, according to reports.Roma are already searching for their third manager of the season after sacking club legend Daniele De Rossi after just four games and then dismissing Ivan Juric earlier this week.Claudio Ranieri could be set for a stunning return to club management with Roma after retiring last seasonCredit: RexErik ten Hag had been linked with an immediate return to management with the positionCredit: PAThe Serie A outfit sit in 12th in the table having won just three of their 12 league games.Their search for a new boss had reportedly seen them eyeing up a move for Ten Hag after the Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United last month.However, a fresh report has now revealed that a stunning retirement U-turn could be on the cards for former Leicester and Chelsea manager Ranieri.Ranieri, who famously guided Leicester to the Premier League title in 2016, retired from coaching at the end of last season after stepping away from Cagliari.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 73-year-old had declared at the time that it would be his final club.But the Italian is being considered by the Giallorossi as they look for an experienced pair of hands to get their season back on track, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.The report says Ranieri has flown to London for a meeting with Roma owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin.A decision over his appointment could be made as soon as Wednesday, which would mark the start of a third-stint with Roma.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRanieri first worked for the club between September 2009 and February 2011.He returned for a second brief spell in charge from March to May 2019.Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his futureAs well as Ten Hag, who was spotted at ex-club Ajax over the weekend, Turkey national team boss Vincenzo Montella was considered.Ten Hag, 54, was replaced at Man Utd on an interim basis by Ruud van Nistelrooy after just three wins from nine league games to start the season.Van Nistelrooy managed four games in all competitions, winning three and drawing one, while Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim was announced as the permanent successor in the position.Amorim has already landed in Manchester and met with some players, including Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, at the Red Devils’ Carrington training base as he looks to get to work.The 39-year-old won the league twice in his time with the Eagles, ending a 19-year wait for a title to end the dominance of Porto and Benfica. More

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      in Soccer

      New England star who won shock call-up is engaged to daughter of Man Utd legend Roy Keane

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      TAYLOR HARWOOD-BELLIS has a cuddly dad… and a not-so-cute future father-in-law.The Southampton defender, who captained England Under-21s to Euros glory last year, has been handed his first senior call-up by Lee Carsley.Roy Keane’s daughter Leah is engaged to a new England starCredit: officialkeane16 / InstagramSouthampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis is hoping to win his first senior capCredit: GettyAnd that delighted his football-mad father Martin, who for many years dressed up as Stockport’s mascot Vernon Bear. Yet there is someone who will be much harder to please.Harwood-Bellis is engaged to Leah Keane, whose dad is intimidating former Manchester United star Roy.The defender’s uncle, Steve, is Stockport’s president and his twin sister Becky was a top basketball player, so here is a family which loves sport.Harwood-Bellis was with Manchester City from the age of six before joining Southampton on loan last term, with promotion triggering a £20million transfer clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked about his family, starting with his costume-wearing dad, Harwood-Bellis said: “He did it a few times to be fair, it wasn’t just once.“He must have been good at it. It was sad to see him stop.“My sister doesn’t play any more but she represented Great Britain. She was good at basketball. We’re a sporty family.”Harwood-Bellis, though, did seem slightly nervous when the subject of the father of his fiancee Leah was mentioned.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “Yes, it’s something that is good and I take a lot of advice.”Although England travel to Greece today for tomorrow’s Nations League clash, Sunday will see England face Ireland at Wembley, with the game nearly sold out.Man Utd legend Roy Keane abruptly walks off as he is repeatedly teased by ice cream manHarwood-Bellis has been a mainstay for the Saints this seasonCredit: ReutersFormer Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was a huge inspirationCredit: AlamyThat match will be of particular interest to a certain former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder.But swerving the next question about Keane and the Ireland showdown, Harwood-Bellis said: “Everything is focused on Greece. “It’s a big game with the result at home last month as we lost. We want to go over there and get a result.”One man who has featured prominently in the centre-back’s career is Vincent Kompany.The Belgian was manager in his loan spells at Anderlecht and Burnley.And the 22-year-old star said: “I had the best part of a year and a half under him so he’s helped me massively. He helped me personally to grow as a player and a human being, as well.”Asked about the England call-up by interim boss Carsley, he said: “Lee rang me in the morning. I couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was a feeling of pride.“I was with my partner. Then I phoned my dad and he was very proud.“The fact I had played for England through the age groups and now I was in the seniors, all my family were delighted.“He [Carsley] always said, ‘If you are playing well at the top level  and doing the best you can, there will be a  highly-likely chance that you get called up’ — and he stuck to his word. So I’m really happy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough he will not be at either game, manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel will be watching from his home in Germany.Harwood-Bellis said: “It will be a big motivation for all the lads that there is a new manager coming in and they will be wanting to keep their places.” More

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      Paul Gascoigne tips two former England team-mates to take over from Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host

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      PAUL GASCOIGNE has tipped TWO former England team-mates to succeed Gary Lineker as the next host of Match of the Day.Lineker, 63, will step down from the iconic BBC show at the end of the season after 25 years fronting the programme.Gary Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day hostCredit: PAPaul Gascoigne has tipped two former England team-mates to succeed LinekerCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed on Tuesday that bookies favourite Mark Chapman is refusing a job share with Kelly Somers.Kelly Cates, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan have also been tipped for the position.But Gascoigne has named two left-field people for the role, both of whom he played alongside for England.And he believes one would be up for it simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat man is Newcastle legend Alan Shearer – who has been a pundit on the show alongside Lineker for nearly 20 years.The other is ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – who has stepped away from the limelight after resigning as national team coach in the summer.Speaking to Sport Casting, Gascoigne said: “With Lineker quitting Match of the Day, I wonder if Shearer is going to take over, or Southgate.”I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money. He’s so tight he only cries from one eye!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlan Shearer has been a Match of the Day pundit for nearly two decadesCredit: GettyGareth Southgate is also being tipped by GascoigneCredit: Reuters”So for me it’s between Shearer and Southgate.”Shearer shares the podcast “The Rest Is Football” alongside Lineker and Micah Richards.Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’Ex-Man City and England right-back Richards recently acknowledged he was in the frame to replace Lineker according to the bookies’ odds.To which Shearer jokingly replied: “”That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Southgate has not worked since stepping down as England manager and has indicated he plans to take some time away from the game after eight years as boss of the Three Lions. More